Paul David Nelson, "Horatio Gates in the Southern Department, 1780: Serious Errors and a Costly Defeat.". Comments by history committee members.
NOTE: These comments are discussion of this source by individual members of the history committee and do not represent consensus of the committee, nor necessarily the final conclusions of the member making the comments.
The absence of cavalry is blamed on Gates, and is given as contributing significantly to his defeat.
The quality of officers reporting to Gates at Camden was inferior to that which he had at Saratoga.
The writer's premise is that most of Gates' mistakes were avoidable.
Gates mistakes are given as a)prematurely marching the army, b)poor choice of route taken, c)leaving his main body of cavalry behind, d)posting his weakest troops to oppose the strongest British troops, and e) failure to prepare for British cavalry action.
Tarleton is given significant credit for outcome of battle.
Gates is credited with reorganizing the Southern Army after the defeat.
Greene learned from Gates mistakes and created strong force of cavalry.
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